By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 24: Betong Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Dr Richard Rapu has officially assumed the role of Chairman of the Betong District Council, becoming the latest federal lawmaker to take on a key local leadership role aimed at driving development and improving public services.
Dr Richard was sworn in today alongside 30 newly appointed councillors for the 2025–2028 term in a ceremony witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
In his speech, Uggah expressed confidence in Dr Richard’s leadership, stating his expectations for a more progressive, people-oriented administration and significant improvements in cleanliness and development within three years.
“I want Betong to be one of, if not the cleanest districts in the State.
“We are exploring options like waste segregation, recycling, composting, and even an incinerator. We can no longer rely on landfills or treat rivers as convenient dumping grounds,” Uggah said.
He also announced a Cabinet-approved change to standardise titles across Sarawak’s local councils: all district council heads will now be known as “chairman” instead of “walikota.”
“The term ‘walikota’ does not belong in our State’s context,” he said.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam, Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kipli, Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas, and other local leaders. — DayakDaily
